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Wednesday, 22 March 2017

A Mothers' Day Tea

I've seen lots of suggestions and recipes for Mothers' Day breakfasts and lunches, but the day doesn't end at lunchtime? How about treating your Mum to a lovely afternoon tea, especially if your gift to her is a pretty china teacup and saucer, it would be a great chance for her to use it!

I have been sent a selection of Castle MacLellan pates so that I can share with you some ideas for Mothers' Day, and I have chosen to make a very retro-style selection of elegant sandwiches, perfect for a traditional afternoon tea. And what's more, they are simple enough for even the youngest members of the family to get involved with the preparation.

For all of them, I've used thin sliced wholemeal bread, cut to shape and buttered then completed as in the instructions. Don't waste those bread trimmings, whizz them up in a blender to give breadcrumbs, handy to store in the freezer for topping gratins and savoury bakes!

Crab and asparagus rolls

You will also need a small jar of asparagus spears (the short white ones)
Remove the crusts from the bread and cut into squares, each side the length of an asparagus spear. Spread each slice of bread with Castle MacLellan Orkney Crab Terrine and place a spear of asparagus along one edge. Roll up tightly and press down on the seam to seal it closed.

Smoked salmon sandwiches

You will also need cucumber and low fat soft cheese.
Trim off the bread crusts. Peel a chunk of cucumber and cut into the thinnest possible slices. Spread half the slices of bread with low fat soft cheese and the other half with Castle MacLellan Smoked Salmon Pate. Arrange the cucumber on top of the soft cheese and top with the salmon pate covered sliced. Cut into dainty fingers.

Sweet and sour pate bites

You will also need pickled walnuts and green grapes.
Use a cookie cutter to cut the bread into bite-sized circles. Spread each with Castle MacLellan Chicken Liver Pate and top each with a slice of pickled walnut (if you can slice them more prettily than I did, so much the better!) and half of a sweet green grape.

Serve Mum a selection of these sandwiches on a pretty doiley with a pot of freshly brewed tea. For the complete afternoon tea experience, why not follow it with a selection of cakes, scones and even toasted crumpets? And as an extra special Mothers' Day finishing touch, end up with some fresh berries and cream - served with a glass of chilled prosecco with a fresh berry dropped into the bottom of the glass.